(Cigarettes image via Shutterstock)
Two Winnipeg men have been charged after they were found to be in possession of more than 240,000 contraband cigarettes.
Manitoba Finance’s Taxation Special Investigations Unit made the seizure, which also included quantities of illegal cannabis, cannabis edibles and opiate pills, which were turned over to Winnipeg police.
Manitoba stood to lose $71,956.40 in tax revenue if the items had been sold. For a first-time offence, individuals face fines between $1,000 and $10,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment. If convicted, they are subject to a triple tax penalty.
Officials say because one of the men has a previous conviction under the aforementioned acts, he will face fines between $10,000 and $50,000 and/or up to one-year imprisonment. In addition, they may face a quadruple tax penalty of $287,825.60.
Anyone with information on contraband tobacco can contact their local police department or the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit at (204) 945-1137, email smuggling_manitoba@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or call Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
